Ant Middleton ‘quits Royal Navy role’ after storm over Black Lives Matter tweet
The SAS: Who Dares Wins star has reportedly quit his role as the Royal Navy’s Chief Cadet after facing backlash over his tweet about the Black Lives Matter movement
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Ant Middleton has reportedly quit his role at the Royal Navy’s Chief Cadet following backlash over his tweet about the Black Lives Matter movement.
The SAS: Who Dares Wins star, 39, has been in the role since last November.
But insiders say he’s made the “difficult choice” to step down after causing a social media storm by comparing BLM to the English Defence League (EDL).
Ant caused outrage when he tweeted about the Black Lives Matters protests that emerged following the death of US man George Floyd during his arrest.
Ant wrote: “The extreme left against the extreme right! When did two wrong’s make a right?!? It was only a matter of time BLM & EDL not welcome on our streets, absolute scum. What a great example you are to our future generation… BRAVO”
It’s said that Ant was told by the Royal Navy that he had to resign or he would be sacked.
A source told The Sun : “He never thought he’d be given such a difficult choice.
“But he has decided to take matters into his own hands and step down. He’s gutted.”
When he took on the job in November, the former Special Boat Service soldier said he was honoured.
Ant later apologised for his tweet, saying: “On Saturday night, I made comments about the violence breaking out across our streets.
“While I remain dismayed at these actions, I am horrified to realise that my wording could be misconstrued.
“I did not mean to say that BLM are scum, or to imply that BLM and the EDL are equivalent.
“I was trying to make a comment about violent protestors of any kind who I despise.
“I accept that my tweet was inappropriate and offensive and would like to apologise unconditionally.
“I am anti-racist, anti-hate and anti-violence.
“I believe in the right to protest, but change must come about through peaceful and legal means.”
Weyman Bennett, of Stand Up To Racism, had said it was “mad” for Ant to compare BLM to the EDL.
He said: “There is a side calling for justice and the other is not.
“Channel 4 have to go through a process of educating and making sure Ant Middleton takes the right side of history.”
MirrorCeleb